5 Steps to Handle a Dental Crisis and Find an Emergency Dentist Near Me (Easy SLC Guide)
Published July 13, 2026
Need help right now? If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us immediately at one of our locations in Murray or Riverton. We offer same-day emergency appointments to get you out of pain fast!
We’ve all been there. You’re enjoying a nice dinner at a local SLC spot, or maybe you're out hiking the Wasatch trails, and suddenly, crack. A tooth breaks, a crown pops off, or a sudden, throbbing ache makes it impossible to think about anything else.
Panic is usually the first reaction. But when you’re searching for an emergency dentist near me, you don’t just need a dentist; you need a neighbor who can help you navigate the crisis with ease. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we specialize in turning dental disasters into "no big deal" with our advanced technology and gentle touch.
Here are the five steps you should take immediately to handle a dental crisis in Salt Lake City.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Not every dental "oops" is a code-red emergency, but some definitely are. First, check for the big stuff:
- Is there heavy, uncontrollable bleeding?
- Is there severe swelling in the face or jaw?
- Did you suffer a major impact to the head?
If you answered "yes" to any of these, or if you're having trouble breathing or swallowing, skip the dentist and head straight to the nearest SLC emergency room. However, for things like a knocked-out tooth, a cracked filling, or a localized toothache, your dentist in Salt Lake City is the best place to go. We have the specific tools to save your natural teeth that an ER simply doesn't have.
2. Immediate First Aid at Home
While you’re getting ready to head to the office, a little DIY care can save a lot of trouble:
- For a knocked-out tooth: Handle it only by the crown (the chewing part), never the root. If it’s clean, try to gently place it back in the socket. If not, keep it in a small container of milk or tucked inside your cheek. Time is of the essence!
- For a toothache: Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to ensure nothing is trapped.
- For a broken tooth: Save any fragments you can find.
- For pain and swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Avoid putting aspirin directly on the gums, as it can cause a chemical burn.
3. Call Your Emergency Dentist Near Me
Don't wait until Monday morning. Many dental crises, like a knocked-out tooth, have a "golden hour" where the chances of saving the tooth are much higher.
At Salt Flats Dentistry, we pride ourselves on being accessible. Whether you’re looking for dentists in Murray or dentists in Riverton, our teams are trained to prioritize emergencies. One of our biggest "superpowers" for emergencies is our same day crowns technology. Instead of wearing a temporary cap for two weeks, we can use our digital scanners and CEREC technology to create a permanent, beautiful crown in a single visit.
4. Don't Let Anxiety Stop You
We know that for many, the fear of the dentist is worse than the toothache itself. If you've been avoiding the family dentist Salt Lake City residents trust because of dental anxiety, a crisis can feel like a nightmare.
This is where our "comfort-first" philosophy shines. When you arrive, we can offer:
- Sedation dentistry Utah: From mild nitrous oxide to deeper sedation, we can help you literally sleep through the procedure.
- Entertainment: Ceiling-mounted TVs and noise-canceling headphones to drown out the world.
- Gentle Care: Dr. Todd Vincent and our team are known for their neighborly, patient-first approach.
5. Navigate the Logistics (Insurance & Medicaid)
A dental crisis is stressful enough without worrying about the bill. We believe high-quality care should be accessible to everyone in our community. We are a proud Medicaid dentist Utah provider and are highly insurance-friendly.
Whether you need a simple filling, dentures, or are considering a full restoration like all on 4 dental implants, we will work with you to maximize your benefits and find a payment plan that fits your life.
Meet Dr. Todd Vincent
The man behind the gentle care is Dr. Todd Vincent. Dr. Vincent graduated with honors, bringing years of clinical expertise to Salt Lake City, but he’s far from a "stuffy" clinician. Raised with a deep appreciation for the Utah outdoors, when he isn't saving smiles, you’ll likely find him mountain biking or spending time with his family. He believes that every patient deserves the same level of care he’d give his own neighbors, because in SLC, that’s exactly what you are.
Why Our Patients Love Us
Don't just take our word for it. Here is what our community has to say:
"I was absolutely terrified of the dentist after a bad experience years ago. When I chipped my front tooth on a Friday night, I was a mess. Dr. Vincent and the team at Salt Flats were so kind. They got me in the next morning, used sedation so I didn't feel a thing, and I walked out with a perfect match. I'm not scared anymore!" , Sarah J., Murray Resident
"Finding a medicaid dentist Utah that actually treats you like a VIP is hard. Salt Flats did just that. They fixed my pain and helped me understand my benefits without any judgment. Best dentist Salt Lake City has, hands down." , Mark T.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an emergency visit cost?
The cost depends on the treatment needed (e.g., a filling vs. a crown). However, we are transparent with our pricing and work with almost all insurance providers, including Medicaid.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes! We reserve time in our daily schedule specifically for patients searching for an emergency dentist near me.
Can you fix a tooth that's been knocked out?
Often, yes: if you get to us quickly (ideally within 60 minutes) and keep the tooth moist.
Ready to Fix Your Smile?
Whether you need an urgent repair, a cosmetic dentist Salt Lake City for porcelain veneers, or a permanent solution like dental implants Utah, we are here to help.
[Book Now] or [Schedule Your Consultation] today!
Our Locations
- Murray (Fashion Place): Serving our neighbors near the heart of the valley.
- Riverton / Herriman: Convenient care for families in the southern part of the county.
Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Emergency slots available daily)
Phone: (801) 555-0123 (Main Line)